Consultant denies story that he requested a loan

Teresa Hinds

Wednesday, June 26, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

On the day special education auditors were set to appear before the School Board to answer criticisms of their report, one of them is being accused of soliciting a loan from the former department head.

Marsha Irvin, former assistant superintendent for special student services, has filed a complaint with the district attorney's office, claiming consultant David Rostetter sought a loan from her on Dec. 26.

She also alleges that Rostetter indicated that loaning him money could favorably influence the outcome of the audit report.

"That's totally untrue," Rostetter said.

"I don't event remember when it happened, but it was well over a year ago. I was complaining to Marsha that I wasn't being paid for my work. I told her that I could no longer front the money for my trips out there. But there was no discussion about a loan."

Irvin was not available for comment, and was referring all calls to her attorney, Martin Kravitz. Kravitz did not return phone calls this morning.

Superintendent Brian Cram, who called the charges "very serious allegations," said he became aware of the charge only "very recently." He said he believes Irvin did not report it sooner because he had instructed staff not to make public criticism about the report until the district had an opportunity to speak with the consultants.

"Marsha said she felt she would be subject to criticism, because it would appear she was opposing one of the auditors," Cram said.

Cram said he tended to believe Irvin, because "my past experience with Marsha has been that she is a very honest and very forthright person. I know that she has indicated her willingness to take a polygraph. That is very significant."

Rostetter said he did not find it at all unusual that these allegations were made public on the day they were scheduled to appear before the School Board.

"We have been concerned and mentioned in the report that what goes on here when information is presented that criticizes the district, is that the district engages in retaliation and intimidation," Rostetter said.